Monday, June 27, 2011

The cart

I don't think it fits any absolute definition, though "cart" seems to fit best. And if I had to describe the cart, I would say it is most like a rolling cooler.

It's coming along great! I took it for a test run yesterday. I'm getting excited!

It just needs a few finishing touches and insulation on top.

These are the most frequently asked questions:

How much does it weigh?

The cart itself is about 20 pounds, maybe a little more, made from aluminum.

How much will it weigh loaded?

The water itself weighs 180 pounds. With food, supplies, emergency gear, and a backpack and warm clothes for the Mt. Whitney summit, it will probably total about 230-240 pounds. I sure hope not much more than that!

Where will you sleep?

On top of the cart.

Will you push it or pull it?

It's made for either. I will mostly push it. It is pretty easy on a downhill! Flats won't pose a problem. However, even the slightest incline is difficult because of the weight, and the cart wants to pull you backward with each step. I found it impossible to push up the steeper grades. For those inclines, I will harness a belt around my waist and pull it up, inch by inch.

Does your dog sit on top in training?

No, not my dog; he'd rather pull it. But Glen and Christa's dog went for a ride!

9 comments:

Oh. My. Gosh. This will take a lot longer, but I think you can do it. How do you calculate extra food and fluids simply based on more overall time spent? Wow. I can't even wrap my head around this. You rock.

Yea what Arthur said...some sort of quick lock on the wheels no matter which way you pull so you don't lose any ground. Having to sit there gripping the brakes or turning it sideways to stay still may be a burden.

Hey Lisa. Looks like Glen has done well- it even looks aero! I hope you don't mind me throwing out more ideas- but can you arrange most of your lower altitude climbing to be done at night? Unless there is such a thing as a personal neck fan, won't it be unbearable? Is there such a thing as a waist/ chest harness for your towing duties, I wonder, to help spread the load and improve traction? Bless you!

About Me

I am an ultra runner, physician and have been medical director of some of the toughest ultras. I tend to be a mover and a shaker and louder than my size suggests. However, my Gemini twin is gentler and contemplative, an artist, a writer, and a poet. I am a dog lover, a believer in souls, and have a special affinity for those who struggle because I have been there.

This is my crazy lovable huggable Weimaraner, Steely Dan. I call him Steely. He left us in January of this year at only 6 years from lymphoma that did not respond to chemotherapy treatments. Steely was a total goof. He loved trail running, road running, treadmill running, new experiences, making eye contact, sleeping on his back, me, kids, and liver treats. He was Zappa's best friend. We miss him dearly.

This is Stella. A rescue from the shelter. She's about 6 months old and a Border Collie. She is a joyous bundle of energy and curiosity and now also Zappa best friend. She will make a nice running partner when she grows up.

This is the now the big brother of my family - a rescued Greyhound. His name is Frank Zappa. I call him Zappa. He's 7 years old and has learned all about life beyond the track and crate from Steely when he was with us. It was very rewarding to watch his personality bloom as he settled into the family. And yes, he runs like the wind!

This is Natasha, my dearest friend. She was with me through college, medical school, residency, and she moved with me from Chicago to Spokane several years ago. She was my best running partner for 10 years. My sweet Natasha died from bone cancer in 2006. I miss her still. I hung a windchimes over the deck outside. When it chimes, I smile and think she has finally -- wherever she is now -- caught a squirrel!